No one denies that the Budget that has just been presented by the Gonzi government is well balanced and fine-tuned. It is the result of a very successful government headed by the able and inspiring Dr Lawrence Gonzi.

The success obtained by the Gonzi government to date is not the result of mere coincidence or a gift from Grace. It is the result of very hard, persistent and incessant work. It is the result of drive and determination, of belief and confidence in the capabilities of the Maltese people. We are now reaping the fruit of seeds sown by various Nationalist administrations that had a positive, clear and precise long-term political vision.

What I find extremely interesting and fascinating is the ability of the Nationalist party to adapt to modern requirements and formulate crisp, fresh policies that guarantee a healthy future for our country.

Public participation

I have been actively following politics since 1971 and never have I seen a government that has managed the country in such a close-knit manner. This government has managed to combine the knowledge of the experts with the feelings and desires of the people in general. Preparations for the budget started as early as last May. I personally attended some of the public meetings that were held at Castille and I was fascinated by the fact that none of the party officials were present at these meetings. They were attended by people from all walks of life, of all ages, beliefs and views. Everyone was given the opportunity to freely air their views, and the Prime Minister listened patiently and attentively. For two whole hours, and sometimes even more, he listened and jotted down notes on what was being said and suggested. I can vouch for the fact that some of the measures presented in this budget were specifically requested by people who attended such meetings.

Public requests

Thus I recall very well a gentleman wearing a bright red shirt who suggested that assistance should been given to people who send their children to sports nurseries. I remember a soft-spoken, well-educated white-haired elderly lady who requested that tax credits be given to people who resided in private homes for the elderly and that pensioners should be allowed to pursue their working career without forfeiting their pension. A young mother argued that it was not fair that students who studied abroad were not entitled to receive student stipends.

Labour budgets

What a difference from the labour budgets presented by premiers Mintoff, Mifsud Bonnici and Sant, which, compared to modern standards set by dynamic and proactive Nationalist governments, were a total farce. During the presentation of labour budgets we used to be informed about the increase in the price of corned beef and tins of tuna. We would learn about the formation of a military corps to alleviate the soaring unemployment problem, or about the introduction of a wage freeze. Import restrictions and the introduction of bulk buying were part of the sensational news that would be presented just a few days before Christmas time. During the budget speech we would learn that a quota on the sale of cars had been imposed or that vehicles of a certain power could not be imported, that people could not travel overseas freely and frequently, and that we had to tighten our belts and reduce our fat! I could go on and on.

Modern budgets

Thank God and successive Nationalist governments that these are now horror stories of the past. A budget has now become a serious accounting and economic exercise, with a strong dose of social justice formulated by politicians, experts and the public in general.

Merit and praise for these achievements should be given to Dr Gonzi who, in the space of only three years, has managed to introduce a style of his own, has proved that he is completely in command and that he is very close to and understands the public in general.

Noel Muscat

PN candidate for the 9th district

www.noelmuscat.eu